PROGRAM REACH & RISK ASSESSMENT

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is committed to providing early childhood services to Pennsylvania’s young children, with special attention to those at risk of school failure. Research consistently shows that children at risk of school failure benefit from quality early learning opportunities, with economic and educational benefits that extend to our families, communities, and the commonwealth. This report provides information about how well the commonwealth is reaching its young children with quality early learning services, with special attention to at-risk children for Fiscal Year 2015-2016.

The report:

includes an analysis of economic, maternal, birth outcome, academic, and toxic stress risk factors that can harm a child’s chances of doing well in school;

compiles information on the number of children served through OCDEL programs;

shows the funding allocation levels for early childhood programs supported by state and federal investments; and

identifies counties and cities most likely to benefit from early childhood investments, based on these risk factors.

This data can be used for several purposes: 1) track progress in reaching all children who can benefit most from early education; 2) help communities better understand their early childhood programming needs, particularly in counties where there are high risks; and 3) inform future decisions regarding early childhood education policies and practices.

The report compiles information from the 2015-2016 fiscal year on the number of children affected by 15 risk indicators for school failure and the number of children in each county served by federally- and state-funded early childhood programs, such as Keystone STARS, Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, Early Intervention, Head Start, Child Care Works, and Nurse-Family Partnership. The Reach and Risk Report is an excellent way to show policymakers and community leaders the need for early education in their communities and any gaps in services.